18 March 2010 09:28

Viewed : 48

The 29-year-old midfielder, who has undergone double knee surgery since his last competitive outing against Chelsea in September 2008, emerged unscathed from 45 minutes against Burnley reserves at Altrincham's Moss Lane ground. [LNB]Hargreaves produced an energetic performance before being replaced and, with England's World Cup opener against the USA just 85 days away, he admits that he is remains hopeful of returning to senior action for club and country this season. [LNB]David Beckham has a key role to play in Fabio Capellos EnglandHargreaves said: 'This was the first step in what has been an incredibly long ordeal and I am very happy to be back. [LNB]"It was nice to play in a match with a referee and proper opponents on a proper pitch! [LNB]'The World Cup? It's there, but how it will materialise, I don't know. I'd love to have the opportunity to play again for England, but I'll have to see how I progress. [LNB]'If I'm there, I'm there. I would love to help." [LNB]Hargreaves is now set to play again for the reserves, again against Burnley, at Accrington next Thursday. [LNB]He said: 'Ideally I would like to play as soon as possible for the first-team. That has been my target from day one and I have geared my rehab around that. [LNB]'Obviously it didn't materialise that way and you have to re-evaluate, but I'm fit and I've been training incredibly hard. [LNB]'I've missed games and not been able to have an impact, so it's unfinished business for me.'[LNB]